by our College Data Analytics TeamAny major in the field of Physical Sciences provides graduates with a strong background in math and science. There are a variety of majors and concentrations that open up job opportunities in numerous industries. While you may be familiar with some areas of specialization, maybe you haven't found the one that's right for you.
Some schools provide students with the opportunity to earn degrees in areas that are less popular well known. Majors such as Applied Mathematics and Statistics, or Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) allow students to hone in on the area of Physical Sciences they are most passionate about. Applied Mathematics teaches students how to use math and science concepts to solve a variety of problems within the science and engineering fields while statistics prepares you for a career analyzing data and working with probability. Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) is a new field of study that teaches students to use analytical and math-modeling skills to solve problems in industries from manufacturing to business to healthcare.
Like other Physical Science majors, students will take classes in math, physics, computer science, geology, astronomy, chemistry, meteorology, and more to learn about the physical world.
In 2021-2022, other physical science was the 276th most popular major nationwide with 500 degrees awarded. This year's Best Other Physical Science Schools ranking compares 5 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom other physical science rankings further below.
Most careers in the Physical Sciences are geared towards solving problems through the analysis of collected data, placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. Scientists often work together to complete projects making communication and teamwork skills valuable as well. Students who excel in this field have a background in math and science, specifically chemistry and physics.
Employers place an emphasis on previous experience, making internships, summer field camps, and work in research labs important. These experiences give students the ability to work closely with a professional and learn the necessary skills for a successful career in the Physical Sciences.
Depending on the type of job you pursue, you may need to achieve a master's degree or Ph.D. These advanced degrees often allow graduates to complete more thorough research or work in positions with higher responsibility and the possibility for advancement.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most other physical science degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific other physical science careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of other physical science degrees. Other Physical Science programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest other physical science degree you can get. Depending on the other physical science degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to other physical science, with approximately 31.9% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for other physical science workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 31.9% |
| Master’s Degree | 27.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 25.9% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 7.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 7.0% |
58.9% of other physical science workers have at least a master's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in other physical science have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the other physical science career you are seeking.
Physical Sciences graduates work in a variety of industries. Those with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Statistics often work for research and development companies, government offices, or companies looking for graduates with strong math and science skills. Graduates with a degree in Operations Research and Management Science often find positions in similar fields, but at a management level.
Want a job when you graduate with your other physical science degree? Other Physical Science careers are expected to grow 9.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to other physical science.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Physical Scientists | 25,100 | 6.8% |
Other Physical Science graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $56,818 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $35,464 to as high as $65,799. As you might expect, salaries for other physical science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for other physical science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers other physical science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Physical Scientists | $110,090 |
| Professors | $76,990 |
With over 70 different other physical science degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased other physical science school rankings to help you with this.
Other Physical Science is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Physical Science | 500 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 20,985 |
| Physics | 13,447 |
| Geological & Earth Sciences | 8,124 |
| General Physical Sciences | 3,141 |
| Astronomy & Astrophysics | 1,396 |
Image Credit: By NASA under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
